Three men charged in mountain lion caseBy Moosetrack Megan

Posted: December 1, 2017

Three men have been charged in federal court for alleged game violations involving mountain lions. Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on November 28, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

RICHARD CEYNAR, a 34-year-old resident of Williston, North Dakota, appeared on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt, kill, and traffic mountain lions, interstate transport and possession of illegally killed mountain lions and false labeling. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, CEYNAR faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-18

ERNEST JABLONSKY, a 51-year-old resident of Plains, appeared on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt, kill, and traffic mountain lions, illegal sale of outfitted mountain lion hunts, and false labeling. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, JABLONSKY faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-18

MITCH THEULE, a 29-year-old resident of Townsend, appeared on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt, kill, and traffic mountain lions, and illegal sale of outfitted mountain lion hunts. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, THEULE faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-18